Investigator Admits Police Failed to Question Besigye in Treason Trial

The high-profile treason trial involving veteran Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale has taken a dramatic turn. During court proceedings, a lead police investigator conceded under cross-examination that law enforcement failed to question the suspects or record their official statements during the entire investigation process.

Appearing before Justice Emmanuel Baguma for his second day of cross-examination, Detective Inspector of Police Benedict Odyek acknowledged that taking statements from suspects is a mandatory procedure in criminal investigations. Despite this legal requirement, the crucial step was omitted in the case against Dr Besigye and Mr Lutale.

These disclosures follow earlier admissions by Detective Odyek that police investigators never visited any of the alleged international crime scenes located in Switzerland, Brussels, or Nairobi. Furthermore, the court learned that the high-profile case was initiated through a formal letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions issued on February 12, 2025, rather than following a standard police station entry protocol.

The ongoing trial continues to face intense scrutiny from defense attorneys and the public alike, highlighting significant procedural gaps in the prosecution’s handling of the case. Further hearings are expected as the defense presses forward with challenging the validity of the investigation.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report on Daily Monitor.